Where the Power of Art Engages the Spirit of Community
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art invites all people to explore the art in its care, and through its vast collections, the depths, and complexities of human experiences.
We strive to create a sense of belonging, where staff and volunteers can do meaningful work connecting people to art. We create an informed, invested group of staff and volunteers through shared values and open, direct, and respectful communication. We embrace IDEAS (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, and Sustainability) in every aspect of our ideals and aspirations, as we believe these values to be paramount to success.
Each staff member and volunteer will embody the institution’s commitments and agrees to exhibit behaviors that align with them. We hold one another to these expectations so that, together, we may know, own, energize and sustain our culture and the institution for generations to come.
CONSERVATOR, OBJECTS CONSERVATION
We are thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity to join our esteemed conservation team at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, an internationally recognized art museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the world's cultural heritage. With a diverse collection spanning centuries and styles, we are committed to fostering a deep appreciation for art and history. We invite passionate and skilled individuals to apply for the position of Conservator, Objects Conservation, and become an integral part of our mission to conserve and interpret these precious works of art for generations to come.
Position Overview:
This position focuses on the treatment and research of objects in the museum collection and provides a leadership and planning role within the objects sub-department. The museum’s collection encompasses over 25,000 objects, including 45 works in the 22-acre Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park.
PLEASE NOTE: Only applicants with the appropriate education and experience will be considered.
Key Responsibilities:
- Permanent Collection: Performs and/or oversees the treatment of objects in the collection; oversees treatment of NAMA objects by external contract conservators; documentation, examination and research of objects in collaboration with conservation scientist(s) and curators.
- Condition Examination: Conducts or assigns condition examinations and documentations of objects entering and/or leaving the museum collection; loans or acquisitions as well as objects to be exhibited (permanent collection and /or loans) to ensure their good condition. Advise and consult on new commissions, working with the assigned curator and the artist to clarify fabrication choices and future maintenance requirements. Works with registrars and couriers on incoming and outgoing condition reports for special exhibitions. Serves as exhibition conservator for a traveling or co-organized exhibition, where appropriate.
- Conservation Outreach, Education & Development: Collaborates with the museum’s education and development staff to develop and support major directions and initiatives designed to strengthen our visitors’ appeal and understanding of the collection; participates in conservation tours as a form of community outreach, education and development.
- Conservation Content Development and Production: Produces publications; presents conservation lectures and presentations.
- Gallery Management: Oversees the conservation of each object; assists the Preparation staff in the handling of artworks whose installation poses some risk; assesses the condition of works on display; and assists in environmental monitoring as needed.
- Courier Trips: Ensures that loaned artwork travels safely to/from other institutions; acting as an assigned museum courier.
- Supervision: Supervises the activity and development of assigned staff. Responsible for appropriate performance management.
- Grants: Collaborates with development staff, Head, Conservation, and Deputy Director, Curatorial Affairs to write and edit grants in support of Objects conservation.
- Budget: Achieves budgetary goals for objects sub-department; works with department coordinator and Head, Conservation to ensure budgetary compliance and adjustments, if necessary
- Other: Completes all other duties as assigned or requested for the general support of the organization.
CORE CAPABILITY REQUIREMENTS
Education/Experience
- Graduate degree in Art Conservation with a specialization in objects.
- Eight to eleven years of post-graduate experience and three years supervisory experience.
- Demonstrated contributions to the field through publications, presentations, and service on committees.
- In-depth knowledge of a wide range of art materials, techniques, and degradation as it applies to three-dimensional art.
- Advanced proficiency with Excel and other MS Office Applications (Word, Outlook).
- Proficient in Adobe Photoshop, conservation photography, infrared reflectography, x-radiography and XRF spectroscopy
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Technical Skills: Conduct treatment methods and techniques at an advanced level. Pursues professional development to stay updated on the latest techniques and best practices.
- Art History and Cultural Awareness: Strong knowledge of art history and the specific historical context of the artworks being conserved. Sensitivity to cultural and ethical considerations in conservation.
- Research Skills: Ability to conduct research on artworks to inform treatment or contribute new information to the field.
- Documentation: Thorough record-keeping and documentation skills to record the conservation process and changes made to the artwork over time. Photography skills for documenting the condition of artworks before and after conservation.
- Problem-Solving: Critical thinking skills to analyze and solve complex conservation challenges.
- Communication: Strong communication skills and collaborative work style. Ability to explain conservation information and findings to non-experts.
- Ethics and Professionalism: Adherence to the AIC code of ethics in the treatment of the artwork. Ability to interact professionally with all levels of internal staff and external stakeholders.
- Physical Stamina: Physical dexterity and stamina to handle delicate and often physically demanding conservation work.
- Adaptability: Willingness to adapt to changing priorities, new conservation methods, technologies, and research findings.
- Organizational Skills: Effective time management and organizational skills to handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
- Safety Awareness: Knowledge of safety protocols when working with potentially hazardous materials and chemicals.
- Analytical Thinking: Simplifies complex situations in a systematic, logical manner by identifying issues, making comparisons, setting priorities and assessing implications.
POSITION SPECIFICATIONS
Grade Level 8
Starting Salary Range: $72,901 - $82,036
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements
Objects conservators primarily work indoors in controlled environments such as conservation laboratories. Conservators typically work Monday to Friday with some variable hours that may occasionally include evenings or weekends depending on the project.
Fine Motor Skills: Objects conservators need excellent fine motor skills to work with precision tools and delicate objects. These skills are essential for cleaning, repairing, and retouching artwork.
Lifting and Handling: Some objects may be heavy or awkwardly shaped, requiring the ability to lift and handle them safely. Proper lifting techniques are crucial to avoid injury.
Standing: Conservators often stand for long periods while working on objects, particularly during tasks that require close inspection and treatment.
Sitting: For tasks that involve detailed work, conservators may sit at workbenches or tables for extended periods.
Stooping and Kneeling: Conservators may need to stoop or kneel to examine or work on objects at different heights.
Vision: Excellent vision is essential for assessing and working on fine details. Some conservators may use magnification devices or microscopes.
Color Perception: The ability to perceive and match colors accurately is important, especially when retouching or inpainting.
Hand-Eye Coordination: Precise hand-eye coordination is crucial when using tools and performing intricate tasks.
Travel
0–15% of Travel Required; on occasion, conservators may need to travel to assess, document, or conserve objects on-site, particularly for large or fragile artworks.
Non-Discrimination
The Nelson-Atkins is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ applicants.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art conducts pre-employment background checks as part of our selection process.
Salary information is a general guideline only. The Museum considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.